Can't open exe files using Xp

[Cal]

This problem is driving me crazy and questioning if I
want to continue to use Xp
I cannot open .exe files. Using DOS Prompt or windows
explorer, I get a message that the file cannot be found.
My searches have suggested this is a virus and have given
specific registry instructions to locate and eliminate. I
have completed these instructions and no apparent virus
exists. Also Nortons has not detected a virus. I have
tried to run these programs in compatability mode but no
luck. These programs will run fine in Windows 98. I fear
that there is some security setting that is preventing
access. Any suggestions? Thanks

 

[Ramesh [MVP]]

Cal,

If the file association for .exe has changed automatically, this behaviour is generally caused by viruses. One of which is Sircamm virus, which modifies the .exe file association in registry. Reset the .exe file assocation using any of these steps:

Solution 1:
Click [Start] [Run] [Command]
Type the following and then press Enter after typing each one:

cd\windows
copy regedit.exe regedit.com
start regedit.com

Navigate to and select the following key:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell\open\command

Double-click the (Default) value in the right pane.
Delete the current value data, and then type: "%1" %*
(ie., type the following characters: quote-percent-one-quote-space-percent-asterisk.)

Exit the Registry Editor and restart Windows.

Solution 2:

Download .exe File association fix from here:
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/file_assoc.htm

NOTE: Most importantly, *update* the definition files for your Anti-Virus software and scan the system for viruses.

Related MSKBs:
You Are Unable to Start a Program with an .exe File Extension:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=310585

You Cannot Start Programs (.exe Files) When Your Computer Is Infected with the SirCam Virus:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=311446

--
Ramesh - Microsoft MVP
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k
-------------------------------------------
Internet Explorer Newsgroup FAQs:
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/IEFAQ.htm

Computer viruses: description, prevention, and recovery:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=129972
-------------------------------------------


This problem is driving me crazy and questioning if I
want to continue to use Xp
I cannot open .exe files. Using DOS Prompt or windows
explorer, I get a message that the file cannot be found.
My searches have suggested this is a virus and have given
specific registry instructions to locate and eliminate. I
have completed these instructions and no apparent virus
exists. Also Nortons has not detected a virus. I have
tried to run these programs in compatability mode but no
luck. These programs will run fine in Windows 98. I fear
that there is some security setting that is preventing
access. Any suggestions? Thanks